The Committee on Climate Change recently published its advice to the Government on the timetable for introducing a new, legal net zero emissions target in the UK, as Bright Blue argued for in its recent report, Hotting up. The UK Government has ceased funding further coal-to-biomass conversions and is consulting on ending future subsides under the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme for coal-to-biomass conversions on air pollution grounds. Yet, the Government continues to fund woody biomass for electricity generation under both the Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) scheme and the Contracts for Difference (CfD).
The key questions that the debate will centre around are:
- What role should biomass play in the UK’s future energy mix?
- Does the phase-out of coal-fired power stations necessitate a role for biomass in energy supply?
- Is biomass an environmentally desirable energy source?
- Can biomass help the UK achieve its likely future net-zero emissions target?
- Should Government continue to subsidise biomass energy production through the Renewables Obligation Certificates (ROCs) scheme and the Contracts for Difference (CfD)?
- Are there credible and cheap alternatives to biomass?
The key speakers are:
- James Heappey MP, Chair, APPG Renewable and Sustainable Energy
- Dr William Gillett, Director, EASAC Energy Programme
- Fiona Harvey, Environment Journalist, The Guardian
- Heather Hillaker, Associate Attorney, Southern Environmental Law Center
- Benedict McAleenan, Senior Advisor to the Renewable Energy Association
- Ryan Shorthouse, Director, Bright Blue (Chair)
Date: Thursday, 18th July 2019, 1200 – 1330
Venue: Committee Room 5, Houses of Parliament, Westminster SW1A 0AA (please use Cromwell Green entrance).
RSVP: Here
If you have any questions about this event please contact Weronika Patyk at weronika@brightblue.org.uk.
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